Work has begun on laying the tracks for a rail link between Cardiff and Ebbw Vale - which it is hoped will boost one of Wales' most deprived areas.

It has been 44 years since the last passenger train ran in the area.

Now the line which has been used for freight services, is being upgraded with six new stations being built.

It is hoped that the hourly service will provide better commuting opportunities for people in Blaenau Gwent.

The Ebbw Vale rail link scheme will upgrade 18 miles of railway line for passenger services, restoring a link with Cardiff that was severed in 1962.

'Beautiful landscapes'

Trish Law, the independent assembly member for Blaenau Gwent, said she was "delighted" work was starting on the rail service after her late husband Peter Law - who was MP and AM for the area - had campaigned for the service.

She said: "It gives our people in Blaenau Gwent the chance to get to Cardiff and to get to Newport either for leisure or for work.

"But it also gives others the chance to come into Blaenau Gwent - which is absolutely beautiful - to see what we've got here. A lot of history and beautiful landscapes."